"Fine Art" style of exposure

Originally Posted by Pandysloo

I'm completely new to B&W film. I would like to get into the "fine art" style; dramatic contrast: Attachment 61830

I realize lighting is the biggest factor, but I also am not trying for a technically perfect exposure, meaning I don't want as much tonal detail as possible because that leads to a flatter image (from what I can tell).

I have some Pan F+ and some Acros 100. Do I need to push it in order to get this look?

Where did you find this example? Have you tried to ask the photographer?